Kotschau Eager to Assist Buffs

BOULDER, Colo. – Returning home means something different to each athlete. For some, it's the opportunity to compete in front of family and friends, while for others, it's a chance to rediscover their roots and the game they love.

For Reagan Kotschau, it's both.

The Thornton, Colo., native and Broomfield High School graduate started her collegiate soccer journey at Washington State, but after two seasons, she felt the call to return to her roots and join the Buffaloes.

It's a story that's not unfamiliar to the Colorado Soccer program. Kotschau is one of five transfers that returned to the Centennial State, and joins a long list of players that have returned to call Prentup Field home.

Kotschau, along with four other Colorado native transfers, arrived in the spring, and the junior midfielder is eager to make an impact in her first season with Colorado.

"I loved my time at Washington State, but it was time for a change and a chance to grow," Kotschau said. "I took a couple of visits to other schools during the transfer process, but as soon as I stepped foot in Colorado, I knew I'd be happy here. Being closer to my family, having their support, and joining a program I've watched my whole life made it the perfect choice."

A family legacy
Kotschau's soccer journey is deeply rooted in her family's history. Her father, Richie Kotschau, played in the MLS for nine seasons with Chicago, Tampa Bay, Colorado, Columbus and Real Salt Lake, and internationally, earning caps with the U.S. national team.

Her mother, Meredith, was also a college soccer player.

It's safe to say that soccer runs in the family.

"My parents met at George Mason University, where they both played soccer," Kotschau said. "They both played soccer there. So obviously, that's where it started. My mom stopped playing after college, and then they had me and my sister. My dad was still playing when I was born. I think I was around 3 or 4 when he retired. They didn't push me or my sister to play soccer. They put us in other sports and tried not to sway us in that decision, but it just happened to be that we both just liked it the best."

Kotschau aspires to follow in her father's footsteps and play professionally. Whether it's in the NWSL or overseas, she's open to whatever opportunities come her way.

"The NWSL is growing rapidly, and it's exciting to see more opportunities for women's soccer in the U.S.," she said. "With a new team in Denver, that could be a potential path for me. Playing for a homegrown team would be an incredible experience."

Kotschau dons No. 33 as a Buff, becoming the first CU soccer player to wear the number. But it's not an unfamiliar look in the Kotschau family.

"My dad actually used to be 33, but it wasn't my first choice when I came here. All my numbers, like my first top-three, were already taken, which was fine. It's not a big deal. I was sitting talking to [head coach] Danny [Sanchez] with my parents, talking about coming here, and I just said like 33 would be a good number, and then CU has never had a 33, so that's even cooler. I feel like it's a good fit."

Called Up 2x
Kotschau's talent hasn't gone unnoticed. She received call-ups to the U-20 national team, a dream come true for her.

"It was great. It was something I wasn't really expecting. I've had coaches talk to me about trying to get me in, but it was just something that kind of never really happened for me until I actually got the email on my birthday, so it was a birthday gift. It was just a great experience."

Kotschau's ties to Colorado run deep, and the soccer community has been a significant part of her journey. She acknowledges the state's strong soccer culture and the competitive environment that helped shape her into the player she is today.

"The soccer culture in Colorado is incredible," Kotschau said. "There's always been a pipeline of talented players, and I was fortunate to be part of a competitive environment from a young age. It helped me prepare for college soccer and beyond."

A new season
As Kotschau embarks on her first season with the Buffs, she's excited about the team's potential. Despite being a new addition, she feels a strong sense of camaraderie and chemistry with her teammates.

"We have a great group of players," Kotschau said. "Even though there are a lot of new faces, we've come together quickly. Our goal is to compete at the highest level and make a deep run in the tournament. We're not settling for anything less."

For Kotschau, wearing the Colorado jersey is more than just representing a school – it's representing a community and a legacy.

"It feels surreal to be on that field now," Kotschau said. "I've been a fan of Colorado soccer for as long as I can remember, and now, I get to be part of it. It's an incredible feeling, and I can't wait for the season ahead."

With her family by her side, Kotschau is ready to make her mark on the Colorado soccer program. Her journey may have taken her to Washington State, but there's no place like home.

For Kotschau, it's more than just a return; it's a chance to grow, compete, and inspire the next generation of soccer players in Colorado.

Colorado continues its season-long homestand, hosting front-range rival Air Force on Sunday (1 p.m. MT).

For more information on Colorado Soccer, please visit cubuffs.com/soccer. Fans of the Buffs can follow @cubuffssoccer on Instagram, X, TikTok and Facebook.

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Players Mentioned

Reagan Kotschau